What’s on the mind of Malaysians’ as we approach 2025? Today on the show, we’re diving into Ipsos’ latest report, What Worries Malaysia?, which looks at key insights into the nation’s economic optimism, consumer confidence, and growing concerns. With 7 out of 10 Malaysians believing the country is heading in the right direction, we explore the challenges ahead, including corruption and rising crime concerns. Joining us to break it all down is Kiranjit Singh, Regional APAC Lead at Ipsos...

Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem is growing, but is the Silicon Valley playbook holding it back? In this episode of Enterprise Explores, I speak with Dr. Sivapalan Vivekarajah, Co-Chair of the Soonicorn Collective and Senior Partner at ScaleUp Malaysia Accelerator, about the pitfalls of adapting Silicon Valley’s approach to Southeast Asia—especially in Malaysia. We dive into the revenue-driven pressures faced by startups, question whether the $100 million revenue benchmark is realistic for...

In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we explore into the evolving landscape of carbon markets and the crucial role of carbon credits in Malaysia's decarbonisation journey. As businesses face increasing pressure to reduce emissions, carbon credits have become a key tool to achieve climate goals, but not without significant challenges. Integrity, cost, and the changing dynamics of both voluntary and compliance markets are reshaping how organisations approach their climate commitments. We...

The recent shortfalls of Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign had highlighted how missteps in communications and strategic alignment can impact even the most high-profile initiatives, showing how essential clear communication, and a deep understanding of audience needs are to any initiative’s success. In today’s business environment, the lines between internal alignment and external success is blurred, making it critical for public-facing and internal campaigns to build trust and cohesion...

Early-stage investing is inherently risky, with failure a natural part of the process, so was the public’s reaction to the Fashion Valet saga—a RM44 million loss for Khazanah and PNB — justified, or an overreaction? And what role should GLICs and other large institutions play in the venture capital and startup ecosystem? In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we unpack key lessons to learn from the Fashion Valet saga with Kevin Brockland, Managing Partner at Indelible Ventures. We dive into...

A total of RM20 million has been allocated for the development of the e-sports ecosystem under the Budget 2025 and RM10 million from that total amount will be used for constructing a new e-sports stadium. But, is this a step in the right direction for Malaysia's e-sports industry? In today's episode of Enterprise Explores, we explore how the proposed initiatives in the Budget 2025 support and promote the growth of Malaysia's e-sports industry, what else is the allocated funds going to be...

SMEs are vital to Malaysia’s economy, but breaking into international markets remains challenging due to complex trade regulations and non-tariff measures (NTMs). These barriers, from health standards to labelling requirements, hit smaller firms hardest, limiting their ability to scale beyond borders. In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we dive into the impact of NTMs on Malaysian SMEs, especially in sectors like food manufacturing, and discuss potential solutions for easing these...

Between climate change and aging populations, what does it take for a city to thrive and survive in our changing world? In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we dive into Kuala Lumpur’s position on the global stage, guided by insights from Arup’s latest Redefining City Competitiveness report. This report, released by the global design and consultancy firm Arup, introduces a new framework for evaluating cities based on resilience, governance, liveability, and loveability—expanding beyond...

In this episode, we dive into the rapid growth of Malaysia’s digital economy, fueled by massive investments in AI, cloud storage and data centres. With tech giants like Google ($2B), Oracle ($6.5B), Microsoft, Nvidia, and ByteDance pouring billions into the region, Malaysia is becoming a hub for cloud services and AI development. Join us in our conversation with Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming, Pro Vice Chancellor for External Engagement at Taylor's University as we explore the far-reaching...

Is your consumer brand ready to take the leap into international markets? What are the key strategies APAC’s biggest FMCG brands have used to tap into overseas markets to drive revenue? In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we delve into the global ambitions of Asia-Pacific FMCG companies and the essential strategies driving their international success. With overseas revenue now outpacing domestic growth for many of the region's top firms, global expansion has become a critical pathway for...

As e-commerce platforms like Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok become essential for local entrepreneurs, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), questions have emerged about the fairness of commission fees and the broader regulatory landscape. The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Costs of Living has been and are taking steps to review these fees, sparking a national conversation on how to create a level playing field for smaller businesses in the digital marketplace. To help us unpack...

As high-tech industries like semiconductors and digital technologies grow, the demand for skilled talent is rising. Traditional education often falls short, leaving many working adults struggling to keep up. Wawasan Open University (WOU) is changing that with flexible open distance learning, allowing professionals to upskill while continuing their careers. Today, Vice Chancellor and CEO of Wawasan Open University, Professor Lily Chan, shares how the university is bridging the skills gap and...

As foreign e-commerce platforms grow across Southeast Asia, there is rising debate about how to protect local SMEs from being outpaced. In this episode, we explore potential policies that could shape Malaysia's digital economy, weighing the benefits and risks for local businesses, innovation, and foreign investment. Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education, joins us to discuss strategies to support MSMEs while fostering a digital-first economy. See omnystudio.com/listener...

Does Malaysia’s true regional value lie in being ASEAN’s startup sandbox? Could an integrated ASEAN startup ecosystem unlock the region’s full potential, or is this too ambitious for such a fragmented landscape? As Malaysia looks ahead to its ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, Enterprise Explores dives into the value, opportunities, and challenges of building a more connected regional startup community with Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group CEO of Cradle Fund, and Renuka Sena, CEO of Proficeo. We...

In our continuing coverage of Budget 2025, today, we’re diving into Malaysia’s 2025 Budget and its focus on artificial intelligence (AI). Joining us today to break this down are Warren Leow and Khalil Nooh from the National AI Consortium (KAIN). Warren is CEO of AI-driven creative tools provider Pixlr and Khalil is Co-Founder & CEO of Mesolitica -a startup that is developing a Malaysian LLM. We’ll explore the hits and misses from Budget 2025, the critical steps Malaysia needs to take in...

Should Penjana Kapital and MAVCAP have been merged into Khazanah? In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we dive into that and other key reactions to Budget 2025 and its impact on the startup ecosystem. Last Friday, the government unveiled a record RM421 billion budget, with significant allocations for startups and tech innovation, including: - RM1 billion for the National Fund-of-Funds (NFOF) under Khazanah, with RM300 million earmarked for venture capital fund managers in 2025. - RM1...

What’s new in consumption taxes in Budget 2025, and why is GST considered more efficient than SST? In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we unpack the key consumption tax measures from Malaysia’s 2025 Budget and their potential impact on businesses. From the expansion of Sales and Service Tax (SST) to premium foods, to new excise duties on sugary drinks, we break down what businesses need to know and prepare for. Joining us is Geeta Balakrishnan, Tax Director at PwC Malaysia, to discuss...

On this Enterprise Exclusive, we speak with Mike Walsh, CEO of Tomorrow, who will also be a keynote speaker at the MDX Summit 2024, organised by MDEC. We explore the future of digital transformation, focusing on how disruptive technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and the metaverse are reshaping business ecosystems. Mike will share insights on how leaders can harness these technologies to innovate, build scalable digital economies, and navigate the age of superintelligence. See...

In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we dive into Malaysia’s Budget 2025 and its implications for businesses with a focus on digital transformation and economic growth. Joining me are Ong Chin Seong, Chairman of PIKOM, and Aaron Sarma, General Partner of ScaleUp Malaysia, to unpack key incentives aimed at fostering innovation and supporting SMEs. Budget 2025 outlines a clear commitment to building Malaysia’s digital economy, with initiatives including: RM3.8 billion in loans from Bank...

In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we unpack Malaysia’s 2025 National Budget and its implications for the business community with Farah Rosley, Malaysia Tax Managing Partner at Ernst & Young Tax Consultants. The budget introduces a range of measures aimed at strengthening fiscal consolidation, accelerating industrial transformation, and supporting high-tech sectors, with a strong emphasis on digitalisation, sustainability, and broadening the tax base. Key highlights include: - A new...

As Malaysia tables the Budget 2025 today, we turn our focus to Malaysia’s Mid-tier companies (MTCs) and SMEs, the backbone of the nation’s economy. These businesses drive innovation, create jobs, and enhance Malaysia's global competitiveness, yet they continue to face significant challenges, from limited access to financing to the need for digital transformation and skilled talent. We speak with Callum Chen, Honorary President of the Malaysian Consortium of Mid-Tier Companies, as we reflect...

What does the tech and startup ecosystem need? How can we and should we encourage the government, GLCs, and PLCs to buy tech products and services from local players? What about acquisitions? Should GLCs be mandated to acquire high-quality startups? As the Budget 2025 tabling approaches, we explore all this and key wishlist items from the tech and startup ecosystem, including the potential impact of government procurement, with Dr. Sivapalan Vivekarajah, Co-Chair of the Soonicorn Collective,...

Will the Ringgit continue to strengthen against the US Dollar? Could we see the GST comeback? How could fuel subsidy rationalisation factors into Budget 2025? In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we speak with Caroline Wong, Country Risk Analyst at BMI (part of Fitch Solutions), to discuss the key aspects of Malaysia's fiscal strategy as we head into Budget 2025. We dive into the government's fiscal consolidation plans, the outlook for the Ringgit, and what to expect from Bank Negara...

As Malaysia’s economy gains momentum with stronger foreign investments, a rising Ringgit, and improved innovation ranking, the nation is on track to potentially achieve high-income status by 2028. Central to this growth is the government's commitment to inclusive progress, highlighted by the Public-Private Partnership Master Plan 2030 (PIKAS 2030) and the RM100 million allocation in Budget 2024 for NGOs and civil society organisations. In this episode, we explore the vital role of social...